On 4 July 2025, the European Commission launched a formal call for evidence on Fur Free Europe — a critical next step in the process that could lead to an EU-wide ban on fur farming and the sale of farmed fur products.

This consultation follows the success of the European Citizens’ Initiative Fur Free Europe, which collected more than 1.5 million validated signatures between 2022 and 2023. In December 2023, the Commission formally acknowledged the initiative and committed to exploring several policy scenarios — including a full ban on fur farming and placing farmed fur on the EU market.

The current call for evidence invites stakeholders to provide data, expertise and views on the potential impacts of the identified policy options. According to the Commission, such calls are used to inform the scope of politically sensitive or important new legislation. The data collected will help quantify the fur industry’s social, economic and environmental effects at every stage of its supply chain.

In parallel, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is preparing a scientific opinion on the welfare of animals farmed for fur, expected later in July. This will form a key part of the Commission’s decision-making process.

Stakeholders — including animal protection organisations, environmental NGOs, independent scientists, veterinary associations, and ethical business networks — have until 1 August 2025 to submit evidence. This is a vital opportunity to highlight the systemic cruelty, environmental damage and economic inefficiency of the fur industry within the EU.